Fort Hood shooter attempted to contact Al Qaeda operatives

In the aftermath of the Fort Hood base shooting that left 13 people dead, U.S. intelligence officials now admit to their awareness of the fact that Nadal Malik Hasan was attempting to contact Al Qaeda.

The investigation into the shooting at the Fort Hood base in Texas took another turn on Monday after it was revealed that Army Major Nadal Malik Hasan had attempted to make contact with Al Qaeda operatives - and that United States intelligence officials were aware of his attempts. The acknowledgement is certain to raise questions on whether or not the U.S. intelligence community informed the Army of Hasan's interests in establishing relations with suspected Al Qaeda personnel. Ranking Republican on the House Intelligence Committee Peter Hoekstra requested more information on the matter, but he claimed his request was refused. "This is a law enforcement investigation, in which other agencies—not the CIA—have the lead," CIA spokesman Paul Gimigliano told ABC News. " Any suggestion that the CIA refused to brief Congress is incorrect." 13 people died in the Fort Hood shooting - and 42 people were injured. On Sunday, Senator Joe Lieberman labeled the massacre the act of an "Islamist extremist."